Why Car Insurance Claims Are Denied in Oklahoma City

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful. However, finding out your insurance claim has been denied can make things even worse. Many drivers in Oklahoma City assume that since they pay their premiums on time, their insurance company will automatically cover any accident-related expenses. Sadly, this is not always the case. There are various reasons why car insurance claims get denied, and understanding them can help you avoid issues when filing your claim.

So, what are some common reasons for car insurance claim denials in Oklahoma City? Let’s take a look.

Policy exclusions

Your car insurance policy has exclusions, which means situations where your coverage doesn’t apply. If your accident falls under an exclusion, your claim will likely be denied. Common exclusions include:

• Racing or reckless driving.
• Using a personal vehicle for business purposes (like Uber or Lyft) without the proper coverage.
• Accidents caused by intentional acts.

Before you file your claim, review your policy’s fine print to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Lack of evidence

When you file your car insurance claim, the burden is on you to demonstrate that the car accident happened the way you say it did. If you don’t have enough evidence to support this, the insurance company may deny your claim. Important pieces of evidence include the following:

• Police reports
• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Medical records (if you were injured)

It’s always a good idea to take pictures of your vehicle and any other damage right after an accident. If possible, get statements from witnesses who saw what happened.

Disputes over fault

The state of Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you’re more than 50% responsible for an accident, you won’t be able to recover damages from the other driver’s insurance. If your insurer believes you were mostly at fault for the accident, they may deny your claim altogether.

Even if you believe you weren’t responsible, the insurance company may see things differently. They may conduct their own investigation, review statements, and examine any available photos and video footage. Having strong evidence can help prove your side of the story.

Driver excluded under your policy

Remember, car insurance policies cover any driver you give permission to use your car, so long as they are not named as an excluded driver on your policy. If someone is excluded under your policy, your insurer will deny the claim.

It’s important to note that even if a driver is excluded for purposes of liability or comprehensive collision coverage, they will still be able to make claims under the uninsured motorist or medical payment portion of the policy.

Check with your insurance provider about who is covered under your policy. While some policies allow for “permissive use,” if someone frequently drives your car and isn’t listed on the policy, coverage can be denied.

Missed payments or lapsed policy

If you forget to make your payments and your policy lapses, you won’t be covered in the event of an accident. Insurance companies don’t typically grant coverage extensions, and even a short lapse could mean a denial of your claim.

To avoid this issue, set up auto-pay or reminders to make sure you never miss a payment. If your policy has lapsed, don’t drive until you’ve reinstated your coverage.

Filing a claim too late

You must file your insurance claim within a specific time frame. If you wait too long, your claim could be denied. Here in Oklahoma, it’s best to report an accident to your insurer as soon as possible.

Even if you’re unsure about whether you’re going to file a claim, notifying your insurance company early in the process can help protect your rights. If injuries or vehicle damage appear later, a prompt report can help support your case.

Damages exceed policy limits

All insurance policies have a limit on how much they will pay for damages and losses. If your accident expenses exceed your policy’s coverage, your insurer will only pay up to the limit, and you’ll be responsible for the remaining expenses.

For example, if your policy covers up to $50,000 in damages, but your medical bills and car repairs are $75,000, you’ll need to cover the extra $25,000 out of pocket or seek compensation from other sources. Our Oklahoma City car accident lawyers can provide guidance on this process.

Providing false or incomplete information

It’s important to be honest when dealing with the insurance company. If you misrepresent information on your claim or leave out key details, your insurer may deny your claim. Common mistakes include:

• Exaggerating injuries or damages.
• Giving incorrect accident details.
• Failing to disclose pre-existing vehicle damage.

You should always be truthful when reporting an accident to the insurance company. If your insurer finds inconsistencies, it could hurt your credibility and lead to a claim denial.

Failing to cooperate with the investigation

The insurance company will conduct its own investigation before approving your claim. If you refuse to provide necessary documents, ignore calls, or decline to give a statement, your insurer may deny your claim due to lack of cooperation.

To avoid these issues, respond to your insurer’s requests in a prompt manner. If you’re unsure how to answer certain questions, consider speaking with our Oklahoma City car accident attorneys first.

Poor vehicle maintenance

If the insurance company determines that your accident happened due to poor vehicle maintenance, like bald tires, faulty brakes, or broken lights, they may deny your claim. Regularly maintaining your vehicle can help prevent car accidents and ensure your insurance coverage stays valid.

What do I do if my car insurance claim is denied?

It’s important to remember that a denied insurance claim doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options. You can take these steps if your claim is rejected.

• Review the denial letter. Your insurer will send you a letter explaining why your claim was denied. Read it carefully to understand the reasoning behind their decision.
• If your claim was denied due to lack of evidence, try to collect more documentation. This can include medical bills, repair estimates, surveillance footage, or additional witness statements.
• Most insurance companies have an appeal process. You can submit a formal appeal, along with any new evidence that supports your claim. Be sure to follow all the instructions and deadlines provided by your insurer.

If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, consulting with the Oklahoma City car accident attorneys at Cunningham & Mears can help. We can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and, if necessary, take legal action to recover the compensation you deserve.

At Cunningham & Mears, we understand how frustrating it can be when your insurance company refuses to pay a valid claim. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Oklahoma City can review your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.

If your car insurance claim has been denied, don’t give up. Contact Cunningham & Mears today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you through every step of the process and make sure your rights are protected. Please call our office or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle accident claims on a contingency fee basis.